NEWS

GT1 World 2010: Xavier Maassen Spa Preview

After visits to Abu Dhabi, Silverstone, Brno and recently Paul Ricard, Mad Croc Racing driver Xavier Maassen heads to the legendary circuit of Spa Francorchamps in the Belgian Ardennes.

In Spa the Dutchmen is hoping for a strong home race result this weekend. Xaviers challenged has been strengthened by partnership of 2009 Spa 24 Hour winner and fellow countrymen, Jos Menten.

"I've know Jos for years. We live on just a few miles apart and it's great that we get to race together. He is a very fast and he knows Spa and the Corvette like the back of his hand. Two Dutchmen on a stage of the FIA World Cup, would be great." explains Xavier Maassen during the parade of cars in the center of the cozy town of Spa.

"First, a brief explanation of the championship itself. It is a new motorsport World Cup, which there are now four. You have of course Formula 1, the World Rally (WRC) and in addition there is the World Championship for touring cars (WTCC) with four doors as you often see in the street. Now exclusive GT cars as our Corvette, Maserati, Ford GT, Nissan, Lamborghini, and Aston Martin. The championship is a success, both in regards to appearance and sporting level. I am very happy that I am in this championship."

"The last race was a bit difficult, but the circumstances were somewhat disappointing and Therefore, we came no better than fourth place in France. The potential is there, but we need to focus here in Spa. For me Spa is a home race, barely an hour and a half away, and that makes it all the more special, especially now that I am racing with a fellow countryman. Jos and I will be going for a strong result."

The weekend has started well for Xavier. Jos Menten topped the time sheets for the first official session. "The car was perfect and we are on new tires in front, Menten explained after analyzing the first free practice. "But given the rules that limited the number of sets of tires, it is important that not all tires are already using. The main qualification is the Friday morning and races on Friday at 16.30 and the feature race Saturday."